Abstract: This investigation assessed the roles of learning orientation (LO)
and grade orientation (GO) in academic performance. Most
important, we found that GO was negatively correlated with
grade point average (GPA) and General Psychology test scores.
Correlations of LO scores with the academic performance measures
were not significant. The poor academic performance of
students with high GO scores can be partially attributed to lower
Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) scores. Even after the effects of
SA T were controlled, GO scores were negatively related to G PA
and psychology test scores. These findings demonstrate the need
for investigations to determine the effects of grading practices on
students with high and low grade orientations.